The National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training (NCGRT) and the College of Science and Engineering recently hosted a delegation of 17 members from the Thailand Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, specifically from the Department of Groundwater Resources.
The primary purpose of the visit on July 24-25 was to familiarise the delegation, who are members of the Groundwater Development Fund Committee, with Flinders University. During the visit, delegates had the opportunity to tour the Bedford Park and Tonsley campus, meet researchers and learn about the various study programs offered by Flinders University.
The focus of interest for the committee members was centred around Flinders University’s Masters and PhD programs that specifically relate to various aspects of groundwater research and management. These programs include: groundwater hydrology, water resource management, environmental science, environmental health, geospatial information systems, civil engineering, and environmental management and sustainability.
By engaging in this visit and learning about Flinders University’s offerings in these areas, the committee members gained valuable insights into potential research and study opportunities for their department’s sponsored Masters students – a program which is currently sponsoring three students. It also facilitated knowledge exchange and potential collaboration between Flinders University and the Department of Groundwater Resources in Thailand to effectively address groundwater-related challenges.
The delegation had great interest in research being undertaken at the NCGRT, especially on groundwater management, innovations and technologies developed to address challenges posed by a changing climate. To gain further insights, the delegation also visited the Oaklands Wetlands, which houses an Educational Centre created in collaboration with Marion Council and Flinders University. Professor Howard Fallowfield led the tour and explained innovative technologies utilised in the stormwater reuse scheme implemented at the site.
On the second day of the program, the Department of Groundwater Resources met with their counterparts in South Australia’s Department for Environment and Water. During this session, both departments shared presentations and engaged in discussions about groundwater management challenges.
Overall, the visit served as a valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences, promoting collaboration and understanding between the organisations involved in groundwater research and management.